Whoooooo can resist?

Cute owls, bright colours, pretty fabric and  a super cute, easy pattern? 

Once again, this is one of the benefits of using my library card.  Even though my sons are now teens, I wanted to have a look through  Oliver + S Little Things to Sew: 20 Classic Accessories and Toys for Children  by Liesl Gibson.   It's a gorgeous book!  I fell in love with design she has for making a child size messenger bag.  I knew it would be a perfect gift for my 3 year old niece, so I started through my stash to see what I could come up with.

I had everything I needed, right down to the bag hardware!  This is where my thrift sale forays have paid off  - see the blue slider on the bag strap?  Yep.  Thrifted.  I had no idea what I would eventually use it for when I bought it, but I never worry too much about that when I find such goodies.

 Did I mention how clever, Liesl's pattern is?   I love all the bias binding for finishing the bag's edges. Self-made binding may take a little extra time to make, but I think it is so worth the effort.   Just try to find this shade of green in ready made binding! ;o)  Back to the pattern,  I only made one design change from the original.  I added an inset pocket to the back of the bag for fun (and honestly, in an attempt to use up the massive stash of thrifted zippers I have...lol ).

I should also admit I didn't use the recommended materials listed on the pattern - it suggests medium wt. fabrics like decorator weight fabric or canvas.  I used what I had on hand, which was some medium wale corduroy.  I interfaced the corduroy for the main flap along with the cotton used for the lining of the flap. It worked a treat.  Enough weight to keep the bag's shape, but not too bulky for sewing all those layers together.  For the strap, I used the same quilting weight cotton as the lining, but I interfaced it to give it more heft and stability.

The bag may be for little ones, but it's big on details!  I love the little side pockets and the extra pocket on the bag's interior.  I stitched the interior pocket so it would hold pencils, just in case my niece wants to tote some art supplies along.

Keeping with the simple design of the bag, I decided to add a couple of appliqued owls to the flap (thanks to Jacqueline for the scraps she's shared with me).  They add just the right touch.  Shall I admit that I've already cut out another bag?  Whooooo can resist?  Not me. ;o)